Every person has the right not to be subjected to medical or scientific experimentation without that person’s consent.
The right not to be subjected to medical or scientific experimentation protects people from being used as test subjects without their consent.
There have been cases of historical abuse in New Zealand, including experiments carried out on vulnerable groups without their knowledge or agreement. This provision reflects the shared agreement that such acts should never happen again. It says no one can be part of a medical or scientific experiment unless they freely agree to it.
This right recognises the general principle of bodily autonomy. It means the government, researchers, and medical professionals must respect people’s autonomy and cannot force them to take part in experiments. For example, you cannot be forced to test a new drug or medical procedure if you do not want to.
This right is especially important in situations where vulnerable people might be pressured or where experiments could cause harm.